Sydney, Australia—During World Interfaith Harmony Week, the first bimonthly Ambassadors for Peace meeting for 2015 was held with the theme “Future Directions for Interfaith: A Young Person’s Perspective.”
Four articulate young adults who are experienced in, and passionate about, interfaith activities each gave a presentation from their religious perspective: Ariya Chittasy (Buddhism), Ashleigh Green (Christianity), Muhamed Cengic (Islam) and Natascha Schellen (Unificationism).
Each of the four responded to questions and comments from the audience. Following their presentations, the four young speakers participated in a symbolic ceremony of unity, pouring water from separate containers into one bowl.
More than 60 Ambassadors for Peace, UPF supporters and guests attended this inspiring evening, which took place on February 2, 2015, in the Oceania Peace Embassy in Sydney. The emcee was Jynene Helland, and there was an additional feature to the evening: an Acknowledgment to Country given by Ambassador for Peace Pearl Wymarra, an Aboriginal elder.
Following a moving musical presentation, the program concluded with all attendees standing and holding hands to sing “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
The evening was a fitting start to 2015, which is expected to be a year of development and progress toward building peace and harmony at all levels. As always, the evening featured the sharing of food and good company with like-minded people of goodwill irrespective of background, ethnicity or religion.